India : Corpn. approves Smart City proposal

90% of total fund of ₹1,521.9 crore set aside for core city area

Better public utilities, smart bus stops, efficient and diverse use of land, and projects to revive the cultural heritage of the capital city are part of the draft Smart City proposal which was approved unanimously by the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation council on Friday.

The proposal has been prepared with the vision of ‘a vibrant and alluring capital city that is inclusive, safe and accessible; and which respects its natural environment and celebrates its heritage and culture.’ Of the total project fund of ₹1,521.9 crore, around 90% — ₹1,369.8 crore — has been allocated to the Area Based Development component, which will focus on the core city area, comprising the East Fort- Chala- Thampanoor- Chenkalchoola stretch. Projects under this component have been classified on the basis of five pillars — urban basic services, land-use efficiency, cultural identity and heritage, resilience and eco-friendliness, and socio-economic inclusiveness. Existing public utilities will be improved and new services like smart bus stops embedded with features such as solar charging, digital information boards and WiFi, cycle sharing services, underground ducting of utilities, and drinking water fountains in key tourist areas will be provided.